Community assessment as a fundamental practice in community health nursing

North Miami Beach Windshield Survey

The purpose of this essay is to highlight and describe the results of a windshield survey of the North Miami Beach urban area. The practical application of the results of this survey are useful in helping guide community health efforts in the right direction and provide a basis of action for leaders and their followers throughout the profession.

This essay will present the data gathered that is divided into several categories. The first section this essay will address is the 8 subsystems that are necessary components of such a survey. These include the physical environment, health and social services, economics, safety and transportation, politics and government, communication, education and recreation. The data will further be explained by describing the strengths and weaknesses of the city. To help guide future research, this essay will also address nursing diagnoses and interventions to address the problems that are recorded in this survey.

Physical Environment

The area surveyed is a densely populated urban area bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The area is generally considered part of the Miami land area and provides a useful and gracious sample of land to complete this investigation. It is estimated that there approximately 45,000 people that live in this surveyed area.

Health and Social Services

The survey provided useful results in this area as there are an abundance of health centers located throughout the area and suggest a strong awareness to public health. Wellness centers, clinics and independent health care providers are scattered liberally throughout the city. There are a variety of different social service clubs and centers as well that focuses on community problems and issues. Highlights include: Allen Park, Highland Village Community Center, YES center Uleta Park Community Center.

Economics

North Miami Beach is an economically healthy area. There is a booming real estate market. The city is busy with commercial activity in the trading districts. The neighborhoods reflect a strong economic status with mostly middle class families with scattered areas of poverty stricken areas.

Safety and Transportation

The safety and transportation aspects of this survey are very positive in nature. Police services are provided by the North Miami Beach Police Department. Fire Services are provided by the Miami Dade Fire Rescue Department. Public transportation in the City of North Miami Beach plays a key role in the overall transportation system of Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade County public transportation system provides daily countywide service, with over 900 buses. More than 100 routes offer express bus service from north and south Miami-Dade County, service to all Metrorail and Tri-Rail Stations, and local and limited-stop service.

Politics and Government

North Miami Beach is ruled by a council manager system that uses the political leadership in the form of both a mayor and a city council. NMB is governed by an elected mayor and the council consists of 6 members. There is also a city manager who is responsible for implementing policy changes. A city clerk and city attorney are also important appointed positions in this city.

Communication

The city operates at an efficient pace and there appears a sense of order and presence which signifies a strong communication base. Road signs and information are widely available throughout the city. There are many different languages spoken in this city but English and Spanish are predominately spoken.

Education

The results of this survey clearly demonstrate that the community is involved with and supports education from many different levels. There are many k-12 public schools throughout the area. Florida International University is located in this area as well as Nova Southeastern University and Union Institute and University

Recreation

North Miami Beach has focused much effort on community recreation. The North Miami Beach Parks & REC Department offers many programs for all ages of people. There are over 18 parks in this area. Included also: Public Library, 3 swimming pools, four community centers, Tennis complex. Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheater.

Strengths

The strengths of this community vary in source and quality, however there are plenty of valued principles within these ideals contained within this area. The following list highlights these best qualities as strengths:

1. Strong middle class economic background.

2. Diverse population.

3. Ocean

4. Many educational opportunities.